Beginning a postcard Dear Susan, Hi Peter! Saying where you are

How to Write a Postcard
Beginning a postcard

• 
  Dear Susan,
  
• 
  Hi Peter!
  

Saying where you are

• 
  I’m in Rome.
  
• 
  I’m spending my holiday at the seaside / in the mountains.
  
• 
  I’ve just arrived at the airport / railway station / bus station.
  
• 
  I’m going to stay here for two weeks.
  
• 
  Here I am in Turkey!
  

Saying what you are doing

• 
  Every day there are many things to do.
  
• 
  I’m very busy every day.
  
• 
  There are morning / evening activities.
  
• 
  We climb mountains / visit places of interest
  

Describing the weather

• 
  The weather is pretty good / fine / awful / horrible.
  
• 
  It’s raining / snowing all the time.
  
• 
  It’s sunny / cold most of the time.
  

Saying how you are feeling

• 
  I enjoy it.
  
• 
  I’m having a great time.
  
• 
  I’m glad / happy / disappointed / unhappy because …
  
• 
  It’s my best / worst holiday / stay abroad ever.
  
• 
  I’m enjoying / hating every minute here.
  

Asking about the person you are writing to

• 
  How about your holidays?
  
• 
  I hope you’re fine.
  
• 
  I hope you’re having a great time.
  
• 
  How’s your summer/ holiday?
  

Finishing a postcard

• 
  All the best
  
• 
  Best wishes
  
• 
  See you soon
  
• 
  Love
  
• 
  XOXOXO (Kisses and Hugs)
  

► Postcards are written in an informal style. Start and finish your postcard using informal phrases.
► Use abbreviations.
► You can use phrases without a verb.
► Remember that a postcard should be concise.
Sample Exam Task
You are attending a summer course at an English school in Dublin. Write a postcard to your Australian friend Peter. In your postcard, you should:

• 
  explain where you are
  
• 
  describe two typical activities you do every day
  
• 
  write what you like most about the course
  

Hi Peter,
I’m here in Dublin on a summer language course.
I’m very busy every day. We have four language classes every day. There are also evening activities; for example, Irish dancing. The weather’s rather horrible. Just rain most of the time. I’m enjoying the course because there are so many people from all over the world!
How about your holiday? I hope you’re having a great time, too.
Love,
Adam